Flu Shot Recommended for All Pregnant Women

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Pregnant women should get the flu shot, regardless of how far
along they are in their pregnancies, according to updated
guidelines released by the American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists (ACOG).

"The flu virus is highly infectious and can be particularly
dangerous to pregnant women, as it can cause pneumonia, premature
labor and other complications," said Dr. Laura Riley, chair of
ACOG's Immunization Expert Work Group, which developed the new
guidelines.

Since the last time ACOG issued guidelines on the flu vaccine, in
2010, even more evidence has shown that the vaccine is safe for
pregnant women, according to the new guidelines.

"New data show the continued critical need for influenza
vaccination during pregnancy," and for providers to recommend and
provide vaccinations," the new guidelines say.

Why are pregnant women particularly vulnerable to flu-related
complications? During pregnancy, a woman's immune system changes,
which results in increased opportunities for seasonal flu viruses
to cause complications and serious illness, according to ACOG.

Getting
the flu shot when pregnant protects not only expectant
mothers, but also babies, who can't be vaccinated against
influenza until they're at least 6 months old. The babies of
vaccinated women receive antibodies from their mothers while in
the womb, helping to protect them against the flu until they're
old enough to be vaccinated themselves, according to ACOG.

Since 2009, influenza immunization rates for pregnant women
increased each year, but experts at ACOG think more work needs to
be done to encourage all pregnant women to get the flu vaccine.

For instance, some people may think pregnant women shouldn't be
vaccinated against influenza, but this is a
myth, according to ACOG and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and
older, including pregnant women, receive a flu shot every year.

Prior to 2009's H1N1 pandemic, immunization rates for pregnant
women were at only 15 percent, ACOG reports. But the rate
increased to 50 percent during the pandemic, and this level has
been sustained or slightly increased every year since then.
ACOG's goal is to increase immunization rates for pregnant women
in the United States well beyond the 50 percent mark.

These shots, which do not contain any live viruses, can be
administered during any stage of pregnancy, ACOG said.

"Vaccination every year, early in the season and regardless of
the state of pregnancy, is the best line of defense," Riley said
in a statement.

In the United States, flu season typically starts in October and
lasts through May. Women who are breastfeeding or who have
recently given birth should also get vaccinated early in the
season, according to the new guidelines.